The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf continues its tradition of generosity as they release the 2019 Giving Journal, which comes in four cover options. The journal is redeemable after collecting 12 stamps, one for each predetermined drink, and supports the company’s partnership with Real LIFE Foundation. Full mechanics are available here.

Collectors can pick from two hardbound covers and two cork covers. CBTL provided us one 2019 Giving Journal to check out.

The Giving Journal features 12 artworks and monthly get-things-done pages, perfect for any user who wants a guided journal writing experience. A week is featured on the left side while the right side of the spread is blank, with a motivational quote at the bottom.

So, is it fountain pen friendly?

The short answer is, yes, as expected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, the #2019givingjournal from @cbtlph is #fountainpenfriendly. Good choice for pen noobs out there who still can’t decide what to get this season! @caringcup Full review this weekend on pennoob.com! #fpnph

 

A post shared by Pen Noob (@thepennoob) on Nov 6, 2018 at 11:37pm PST

Previous versions of the Giving Journal have always been fountain pen friendly, and the 2019 edition is no different. The paper used is somewhat thick, but as fountain pen users know, paper thickness does not always mean fountain pen friendliness. 

In the case of CBTL, it is.

We tried a range of fountain pen ink and nib combinations on the 2019 Giving Journal. There is some ghosting, with some bleeding with flex nibs, but that is negligible. Click the photo to check the writing sample and juxtaposed back page.

Overall, if you are a fountain pen user, the 2019 Giving Journal should be okay. The variety in monthly templates should excite both old timers and newcomers to the world of journals. You shold give it a try.

Disclaimer: pennoob.com reached out to CBTL for this review